John Stanley Makulinski

John Stanley Makulinski (74) of Tega Cay, SC, formerly of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully, January 4, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous ten-month battle with cancer.

He was born in Newark, NJ, April 12, 1951, to the late John and Bertha Makulinski. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1969 and then received a B.A. in Political Science from William Paterson University, NJ, in 1973. After College John had a successful career in Risk Management for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and later did freelance insurance work before retiring to beautiful Tega Cay, on Lake Wylie, SC, in 2021.

John married, Evelyn Slavovski, his college sweetheart in 1975 and they bought a house in beautiful Pines Lake, Wayne, NJ, where they lived for forty-five years. They brought up their two children, Steven and Linda, in this wonderful community with swimming, tennis, sailing, and hiking. His grandchildren, especially Vaughn, were able to enjoy this lovely oasis. After retiring and moving south, in 2021, it felt so natural to move to a home on Lake Wylie in Tega Cay, SC where he lived his last five years of life. Playing croquet at the TC Golf Club and meeting new friends at the TC pool became his new favorite activity.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him through all of life's joys and challenges. His trust in the Lord never wavered, even at the very end.

John enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Evelyn, with whom he celebrates 50 years of marriage. He also enjoyed many wonderful memories at the Manasquan Beach, NJ, and South Carolina beaches. Catching waves with his children and grandchildren was always a highlight.

John was very athletic, especially with playing football and basketball in school. He passed this love to his son, Steven, who had a very successful career in football at Wayne Hills High School. He enjoyed watching his daughter, Linda's talents in dance and piano.

John was also very involved with serving at the church, the Jacksonville Chapel in NJ, where he married his wife Evelyn in 1975. His leadership roles included being an elder, teaching Sunday school, thirty-five years on the Mission Board, and twenty-five years on the Good Shepherd Mission in Paterson, NJ. John felt led to serve in short term missions in Europe and South America with e3 Partners Ministry. As a result, God used John to lead many people the salvation relationship with Jesus.

Above all, his family and grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life and John's friends will remember most fondly his sense of humor.

John is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn, his son Steven Makulinski (wife Patricia), his daughter Linda Abdelmalak (husband Jack) and four grandchildren, Vaughn Makulinski, Naomi Makulinski, Alina Abdelmalak, and Eli Abdelmalak. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Zalinski and five nieces and nephews, Richard Zalinski, Amy Zalinski, Christy Hughes, Lisa Slavovsky, and Mark Slavovsky, eleven grand nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Mission for the addicted and homeless, 336 Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07501.

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